Estate Planning Legal Center

Find out how to memorialize your final wishes in a thorough and legally enforceable document.

Discover how trusts can be used to preserve funds and minimize expenses for those you wish to provide for.

Explore ways to plan for a business’ future, reduce tax liability, and preserve wealth for the next generation.

Learn about probate, estate administration, and the logistics of handling someone’s final affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do I need a will?
    While there is no law requiring individuals to complete a will, in many cases, it is a good idea to plan ahead for the dispersal of your finances and property upon your death.
  • What is probate?
    Probate is the process that courts use to enforce the provisions of a will and deal with any disputes regarding the decedent’s estate.
  • What is a power of attorney?
    A power of attorney is a document that grants a specified individual the right to act as the grantor’s attorney in fact or agent should the grantor become incapacitated.
  • Does a will have to be in writing?
    Among other requirements, a will must be in writing, and be signed by the testator in the presence of a witness.
  • If you put assets into a trust, can you change your mind and take them out?
    If you have a revocable trust you can generally make changes, while an irrevocable trust usually cannot be revoked during the trust creator’s lifetime.
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Popular Topics
  • Advanced Health Care Directives
    If you become ill or incapacitated, an advanced health care directive can be used to inform family members and health care providers of your wishes with regard to significant medical or end-of-life decisions.
  • Charitable Giving
    You can construct an estate plan to give effect to your wishes to leave part or all of your assets to a charitable organization of your choosing.
  • Probate
    The lengthy and often expensive process of probate involves distributing the assets of a decedent as provided by a will or state laws of intestate succession.
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
    When engaged or married couples wish to determine ahead of time how their assets will be disposed of in the event of a death, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can be a key component of their estate plan.
  • Estate Taxes
    A well-crafted estate plan can help you minimize tax liability for your heir and beneficiaries.
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